NY wineries get out-of-state boost for harvest losses

Tuesday

Aug 19, 2014 at 3:35 PM

Wineries in the Finger Lakes and statewide can buy their grapes from other states following losses from this past winter's harsh weather.

Julie Sherwood

Wineries in the Finger Lakes and statewide can buy their grapes from other states following losses from this past winter’s harsh weather.This fall’s harvest from grapes grown in New York state is expected to be well below normal due to extreme winter weather.State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball said Monday the law requires all wines produced on New York farms must contain only grapes, fruit and other products grown in the state. But a provision of the law allows for using imported products if more than 40 percent of a crop is lost to damage. Ball said 15 grape varieties met that requirement.The wines affected include Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and eight others.